Gottman Relationship Therapy has grown in popularity over the last 40 years, internationally and now here in Australia - and there are very good reasons for this. It is one of, if not the most, research-based methodology for couple’s therapy.
Gottman Therapy involves personalising the principles from the Sound Relationship House Theory to each couple’s unique interaction patterns, issues and challenges.
Assessment-Understanding your unique couple story
Gottman Therapy has a strong focus on assessing and understanding the presenting and underlying issues that couples bring to therapy. Gottman Therapists ensure a thorough assessment is completed to gain a clear understanding of the couple’s history, strengths, weaknesses and treatment goals.
The Gottman Connect online questionnaire link is sent to both partners to fill out prior to therapy. The questionnaire takes about 60 minutes to complete and provides important individual and relationship information that allows the therapist to better assess and work specifically on the couple’s relationship issues.
Generally, the assessment phase involves 4 sessions to begin with. An initial co-joint session, then one individual session with each person, followed by a joint feedback session. The feedback session provides a detailed analysis of the relationship’s strengths and weaknesses and the opportunity to collaboratively develop shared treatment goals that direct subsequent therapy sessions.
Therapy-Managing Conflict, Building Friendship and Creating Shared Meaning and Future
Through the skilled guidance of a Gottman therapist, couples are engaged in a series of essential conversations that change negative interactions and create a deeper understanding of each others perpectives and needs. They learn to respond non-defensively, expressing empathy, intimacy and kindness. Gottman Therapy enables couples to heal the past, connect in the present and create a positive future. Couples are provided with a range of new skills, techniques, and strategies to use in their lives on a daily basis to better manage conflict, continuously deepen their friendship and intimacy, create a deep sense of shared meaning, and develop high levels of trust and loyalty.
On average this phase of therapy will involve between 8 -16 hours of work.
Relapse Prevention
Follow up sessions are scheduled often one, three and six months after therapy to ensure relationship change is maintained and positive progress continues. We call this the dental hygiene model of relationship therapy. Further, a range of exercises and activities are scheduled in the couple’s day, week and months to ensure continuous positive interaction and connection.
Relationship therapy is an clever investment to create a secure and stable future.